Analysis of the relation among tinnitus handicap inventory, tinnitometry, and the analogical visual scale in the evaluation of tinnitus

Publication date: Available online 21 June 2018
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Islan da Penha Nascimento, Anna Alice Figueirêdo de Almeida, José Diniz, Mariana Lopes Martins, Thaís Mendonça Maia Wanderley Cruz de Freitas, Marine Raquel Diniz da Rosa
IntroductionTinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom usually associated with a sound, even in the absence of external sound sources. It has complex diagnosis, with one of the forms of measurement being the use, alone or in combination, of self-assessment questionnaires, such as the tinnitus handicap inventory, the visual analog scale and/or tinnitometry.ObjectiveTo analyze the correlation among three tinnitus measurement methods: tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale and tinnitometry.MethodsThe study consisted of 148 patients complaining of chronic tinnitus. An otorhinolaryngological evaluation, anamnesis directed to tinnitus, audiometry (pure tone and speech), imitanciometry, tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale, and tinnitometry were performed. The study was registered in the Ethics Committee of the Institution with no. 0129/12.ResultsRegarding the frequency of tinnitus handicap inventory responses, a higher occurrence of the mild degree was observed. An average of 6 points was observed on the visual analog scale. The mean sensation of loudness measured in the tinnitometry in the right ear was 20dBNS, and in the left ear was 17dBNS. As for the type of stimulus, the most found was continuous pure tone. The frequency of the pitch sensation was 6000Hz in the largest number of cases. Regarding the measures of tinnitus handicap inventory and the visual analogical scale, a significant correlation was observed, and as one value increases the other also increases. Tinnitometry and the visual analogical scale results are also significant.ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between the values measured by the tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analogical scale (annoyance) and tinnitometry (loudness) in the evaluation of tinnitus. The selection of any one of the three evaluative methods for tinnitus investigation provides different dimensions of the tinnitus and complements the others.



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